Gwanghwamun, like the country it gloriously anchors, is now free of past indignities and is a proud symbol of the incredible transformation that has made Korea a late 20th miracle and 21st century pacesetter.
One special Korean dish not to me missed while visiting Seoul or anywhere in Korea is samgyetang. The dish of chicken with ginseng, chestnuts and dates must not be missed.
What was once a huge Seoul city dump is now home to trees that boast fall colors and make Korea a treat to visit during this time of year.
For most commuters, Seoul’s vending machine coffee is a sign of the old days of rail before Koreans became enamored with espressos and lattes. But at least now those pesky cups are recycled.
Upon entering the site of a former ballpark in Seoul, a mythical creature from ancient Korean folklore can be seen brooding over an archeological site at which over 2000 artifacts had been buried for centuries. It’s made of recycled plastic.
A walk along Cheong-gye-cheon is a must any time of year. If you are lucky enough to travel within Korea this fall, you have until November 20 to visit the Seoul Lantern Festival.
GreenGoPost.com and Leon Kaye will be in East Asia for two weeks, exploring the latest and greatest in both nations. We’ll view the latest in rail, clean energy, recycling and having a little bit of fun on the side, too.
My latest article on Guardian Sustainable Business offers cement and concrete as sustainable green building alternatives.